Publication Date

Spring 5-9-2025

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

First Advisor

Obermeier, James

Second Advisor

Buck, Todd

Third Advisor

Houze, Rebecca

Degree Name

M.A. (Master of Arts)

Department

School of Art and Design

Abstract

My work explores the marriage of imagination and meticulous technique to produce vibrant, one‑of‑a‑kind jewelry that bridges traditional metalsmithing with cutting‑edge digital fabrication. My early training included foundational metalsmithing techniques such as sawing, soldering, riveting, hinge making, forming, polishing, etching, roller printing, stamping, lost wax casting, and chain making. Over time, I gravitated toward the techniques I loved most and honed them with intention. The physicality of working with hammers, saws, fire, and metal spoke to something deep within me. I find the rhythmic motion of sawing metal to be meditative and grounding. Eventually, I yearned to incorporate more color into my work, which led me to explore stone setting, glass fusing, enameling, and resin casting. Each technique brought its own palette and character to my jewelry, and I relished the creative possibilities they opened up. In my continued pursuit of learning, I completed a certification in Precious Metal Clay (PMC), which I integrated with traditional metalsmithing methods. This fusion of old and new techniques deepened the complexity and versatility of my work. In 2009, I began teaching classes in metalsmithing, PMC, and glass fusing. Teaching became a vital part of my artistic practice—sharing my knowledge and passion with students only fueled my desire to keep learning and growing.

In 2019, I embarked on Graduate studies at Northern Illinois University to master Digital Fabrication. My intention has always been to increase my knowledge base and add techniques to my arsenal to continue creating more unique artwork. I sought to challenge myself by learning digital fabrication to add more color, more form and more texture to my work in new ways. Mastering Rhino 3D has been one of the most rigorous challenges of my artistic life. Through persistence and research, I’ve learned to use Rhino to design 2D elements for cutting, etching and forming as well as create 3D forms, which I often combine with hand-formed components. Rhino enables me to transform imagined concepts into complex forms that function as stand-alone works or as integral parts of larger, hand-crafted pieces.

My joy lies in the interplay between digital tools and physical making—between imagination and touch. For me, 3D printed elements are not the artwork in themselves, but rather components that complement and elevate the handmade aspects of my pieces.

My current artwork is unique large scale Art Jewelry; titled Fantastical Blooms. They are necklaces and brooches inspired by terrestrial and marine flora yet untethered from botanical reality. The work references the beauty in nature but leaves the viewer wondering if the Bloom could truly exist. My first priority is to create work that brings me joy. If that work also evokes curiosity or delight in others, then I consider it a success.

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